We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michael Kelly a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Michael, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
I developed my confidence and self-esteem through Jesus Christ. Growing up many people picked on me. Entering high school I was 4’11 playing basketball. Many people counted me out because of my height, but I never let that get to me. I would work on my craft daily. I may have been small, but I never let that faze me, because I knew who I was and the skills that I had. My junior year I branched up from 4’11 to 5’7 and gain more confidence. I always go by this, “People will always have things to say about you, but what really matters is what God says about you.”
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Hey my name is Michael Kelly and I’m from Elizabeth, NJ. I am 33 and love to have fun! I moved from New Jersey to Dallas in 2015, when I began my new journey. I am a basketball coach/trainer. I’m currently coaching at Legacy Christian Academy (middle school girls) and train up under Coach Williams and his organization “Elevate Your Game” coaching is not the only thing I do. I am a writer/author. I wrote three books “Man Up”, “Die To Self”, and “Money Talks” and also wrote 6 plays “Love Me Through The Bad” “Who Has Your Attention” “What’s The Rush “The Choices We Make” “Money Talks” and “Beyond The Surface” I just love serving others with the gifts that God has given me. Ever since I was young basketball and writing was all I love to do.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three lessons I have learned about coaching are:
1. Learn about each kid and their needs. You can tell a group of kids to do something, but to see change you need to relate, understand and meet them where they are.
2. The journey is more important than the destination. We try so hard to fulfill our goals, and find the easy way to them, not realizing that the journey is where character is built
3. Don’t let anyone outwork you. You need to always be learning, and practicing your craft each and everyday. God gave each and everyone of us talents and gifts, it’s up to us to cultivate it.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
When I hear this question, two people come to mind. My pastor, (Pastor Conway Edwards) and my mentor (Coach Charles Williams).
Pastor Conway taught me how to be an effective leader. Showing me that leadership is not about my accomplishments and what I did, but it’s about how many leaders you have cultivated. A good leader wants others to elevate, and if that means for me to step back so they can step forward, then that’s what I have to do.
Coach Williams showed me and cultivated a new desire for the game of basketball. Before I met Coach, I just played ball, now I play, but also I’m on the coaching side, which gave me a new love for the game!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Coach_Mkelly
